Showcasing publications, client successes, research collaborations, and facility updates
Client Testimony
“Since 2018, I have collaborated with the CFNBI on 12 critical care projects, and their depth of expertise in biomarker research has been invaluable. Their investment in state-of-the-art instruments, such as the Alamar ARGO, ensures access to the most advanced technologies in the field. Our recent publication in Nature Medicine shows both the high quality of their work and their vital role in strengthening Canada’s leadership in biomarker research. This recent publication was made possible by the vast array of biomarker-based analytics that the CFNBI undertakes and the associated world-class expertise of the associated personnel.”
Dr. Myp Sekhon
Division Head, UBC Critical Care Medicine
“We are currently applying to the CIHR to assess fluid biomarkers in the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease, using your platform’s services. Cheryl is doing an outstanding job of showing the AD research community how this platform could support numerous pan-Canadian research projects. This type of platform is becoming increasingly valuable with the current advances in biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. So, when Cheryl invited me to collaborate and contribute samples from our CIMA-Q cohort, I didn’t hesitate for a second to actively take part in the project.”
Dr. Frederic Calon
Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University
“I have made use of the Core Facility for Neurology Biomarker Innovation over the last several years for analysis of blood biomarkers in women who have experienced brain injury as a result of intimate partner violence. Because such a facility was not available at the UBC-Okanagan campus, I had previously sent samples to colleagues in Sweden for analysis but this proved to be too time consuming, inconvenient, and cost prohibitive. This motivated me to collaborate with Dr. Wellington on several successful grant applications that are allowing us to fully characterize blood biomarkers in this underserved population more efficiently and cost effectively.”
Dr. Paul van Donkelaar
Professor, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, UBCO
“Dr. Wellington and her laboratory have been incredible research partners through the years. We have collaborated on many projects together and most recently have joint oversight on a NIH funded biomarker study. These efforts have resulted in high quality biomarker analyses with fast throughput and excellent analyses. Dissemination of results is highly efficient and collaborative. Reports and manuscripts generated have had high impact and have resulted in excellent global respect. Dr. Wellington is known globally for her biomarker research and is valued by the field.”
Dr. Ava Puccio
Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
“This program of research evolved from a 20k seed grant from ICORD that was leveraged into a 200k grant from PVA that was leveraged into a 1.8M DOD grant that was then leveraged into an 2M grant from AOSpine to support an international study of how blood biomarkers can be used an effective tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute SCI. This shows, over a relatively short amount of time, this program has blossomed and really been a trail blazer in the field of SCI biomarkers. Further, in addition to the “classic” biomarkers and technologies used, this collaboration has really pioneered the translation of rapid POC testing from the field of TBI into SCI which potentially has a massive impact on the equity, access, and impact of the work.”
Dr. Brian Kwon
Director, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
“We have active collaborations for projects related to heart and brain health. I feel very fortunate to collaborate with Dr Wellington and colleagues through the core, who provide both access to cutting-edge technology as well as dedicated expertise in their interpretation, analysis, and their leadership in developing population-based norms. The ability to add novel serum-based biomarkers as part of multimodal research helps to enhance translational benefits by identifying potential mechanisms for pathophysiology, and the opportunity to detect pathology which might otherwise not be detected through other less sensitive modalities.”
Dr. Thalia Field
Associate Professor, Neurologist, University of British Columbia
“I was drawn to working with the CFNBI because of the exemplary reputation they hold within the international biomarker community. From the beginning, it was clear that their work is grounded in both scientific rigor and a strong commitment to quality. My conversations with Research Director Dr. Sophie Stukas highlighted her thoughtful approach and depth of expertise.”
Dr. Parminder Raina
Professor, Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University